Zenith’s consumer facing brand ZenAuto is launching a business contract hire (BCH) product for small to medium-sized (SME) businesses.

The top 10 UK vehicle leasing company, which according to last year’s FN50 had almost 70,000 cars and vans on its risk fleet, launched ZenAuto in 2018. 

The digital-first brand was launched with a focus on offering personal contract hire (PCH) deals to the consumer market.

The BCH proposition now means that SMEs can set up their contract and order cars completely online.

Cars are delivered with road tax, breakdown cover and the manufacturer’s warranty included in the lease. There are also packages available to help spread servicing and maintenance costs.

By offering BCH, Zenith hopes to support smaller businesses that need to keep their team on the road, but do not want the additional administration.

Once the order is placed, all delivery and service communications will take place between ZenAuto and the employee.

Tim Buchan (pictured), CEO at Zenith, says that since ZenAuto entered the personal leasing sector, it has made a “huge impact”.

“Not only do we offer customers a cutting-edge online experience, its supported by our first-class customer service and underpinned with the knowledge and expertise of the Zenith group,” he said.

“As a business, we’re continually exploring innovative new ways to support customers with their mobility.

“As an established name in fleet leasing, personal contract hire and salary sacrifice schemes, small business contract hire is a natural extension to our offering and one which we think will resonate with a growing market sector.”

Buchan explained that the new proposition provides companies, typically with less than 10 employees, the opportunity to make the transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), taking advantage of the benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates as well as the flexibility to build a lease that meets the needs of their business, now and as they grow.